Useful Plush Item

ABSTRACT

A decorative plush item includes a decorative case, and a stuffing material disposed within the decorative case. The stuffing material includes a flexible bag attached to the decorative case.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to plush items having a decorative outer surface. The invention also relates to bags, such as reusable bags for carrying items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plush items are popular decorative accessories. These are usually three-dimensional items having a decorative outer surface. Often, the outer surface resembles a common object, person, or creature, such as an animal (existing or imaginary), a monster or other fantastical creature, an alien, or the like. Plush items present an opportunity to depict an existing or imaginary object or being as a soft sculpture, either in realistic form or as a stylistic or even abstract representation.

Such plush items generally are used as decorations and rarely serve any useful purpose, with the exception of a cuddling item for a child. It would be beneficial to provide a decorative plush item that is easily portable or even wearable, and which serves an additional utilitarian purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a plush item that provides a useful function in addition to its decorative nature. In particular, the plush item can convert to a bag, such as a re-usable bag that can be used when shopping.

According to an aspect of the invention, a decorative plush item includes a decorative case, and a stuffing material disposed within the decorative case. The stuffing material includes a flexible bag attached to the decorative case. In certain embodiments, the flexible bag alone can be the stuffing material.

The decorative case can include an opening, and at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case can be attached to the flexible bag. The flexible bag can have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening, and the at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case can be attached to the interior surface of the flexible bag. Alternatively, the flexible bag can have reversible interior and exterior surfaces, and the at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case can be attached to either the interior surface or exterior surface of the flexible bag.

The decorative case can include a single opening, through which the flexible bag can be inserted. The opening can include a closure device that is adapted to open the opening to allow the flexible bag to be inserted within the decorative case and removed from the decorative case, and to close the opening to secure the flexible bag within the decorative case. For example, the closure device can be or include a zipper, a drawstring, a snap, a button, a tab, a clasp, a channel-style interlocking closure, an adhesive material, a slide fastener, and/or hook-and-loop fabric material.

The decorative case can have an interior volume that is expanded to accommodate the flexible bag when the flexible bag is inserted within the decorative case, in order to provide a three-dimensional quality to the decorative plush item.

The decorative outer surface of the storage container can include indicia resembling a creature. For example, the creature can be an animal, an imaginary animal, a monster, an alien, an insect, or any other type of real or imaginary being or inanimate object, either realistically portrayed or stylized. For example, the creature can be a cat, a dog, or a teddy bear.

The decorative case can include an attachment device. For example, the attachment device can be a clasp, a clip, a carabiner, a ribbon, a loop, or a hook.

According to another aspect of the invention, a bag system includes a flexible bag and a storage container attached to the flexible bag. The flexible bag is compactable, for example, foldable, for insertion completely within the storage container. The storage container includes a decorative outer surface and becomes a decorative plush item when the flexible bag is inserted completely within the storage container.

The storage container can have an opening, and at least a portion of the opening of the storage container can be attached to the flexible bag. The flexible bag can have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening, and the at least a portion of the opening of the storage container can be attached to the interior surface of the flexible bag. Alternatively, the flexible bag can have reversible interior and exterior surfaces, and the at least a portion of the opening of the storage container can be attached to one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the flexible bag.

The storage container can include a single opening, through which the flexible bag can be inserted. The opening can include a closure device that is adapted to open the opening to allow the flexible bag to be inserted within the storage container and removed from the storage container, and to close the opening to secure the flexible bag within the storage container. For example, the closure device can include a zipper, a drawstring, a snap, a button, a tab, a clasp, a channel-style interlocking closure, an adhesive material, a slide fastener, and/or hook-and-loop fabric material.

The storage container has an interior volume that is expanded to accommodate the flexible bag when the flexible bag is inserted within the storage container, thereby providing a three-dimensional quality to the decorative plush item.

The decorative outer surface of the storage container can include indicia resembling a creature. For example, wherein the creature can be an animal, an imaginary animals, a monster, an alien, an insect, or any other type of real or imaginary being or inanimate object, either realistically portrayed or stylized. For example, the creature can be a cat, a dog, or a teddy bear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the plush item of the present invention.

FIG. 2 highlights the closure device of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the closure device of FIG. 2, in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, with the stuffing material partially removed from the decorative case.

FIG. 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, with the stuffing material completely removed from the decorative case.

FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, with the stuffing material configured as a bag.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the decorative case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the plush item 1 of the present invention. This plush item 1 includes a decorative outer case 2 or shell, and a stuffing material disposed within the decorative case 2 to give three-dimensional substance to the item 1. The decorative case 2 can be made of any suitable material, and is preferably at least somewhat flexible. Examples of suitable materials that can be used as the main material of the decorative case 2 include cotton, polyester, rayon, silk, wool, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, spandex, nylon, or acrylic, although it is contemplated that other materials can be used as well.

The decorative nature of the case 2 can be manifested in any of several ways. For example, a single color or multiple colors of base material can be used, and additional color can be added by marking, painting, or staining the material. Texture can be provided through the use of fabrics or treatment of the surface, or through the use of buttons, appliques, ribbons, or stitching, which would also add ornamental touches to the item. Of course, the basic shape of the case 2 will also play a part in the ornamental nature of the case, as is evident in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. In this way, the decorative case 2 can be made to resemble an object or creature, to depict an abstract expression or other artistic representation, or even to provide a three-dimensional depiction of a cartoon character or graphical icon. Additional three-dimensional elements, such as fabric or other material resembling a tail, can be added to the exterior of the decorative case 2. As shown, portions of the entity depicted as the plush item 1, such as a body portion 4 or head of a depicted creature, can be presented as a separate flat or stuffed item attached to the main decorative case 2.

The stuffing material disposed within the case provides the plush item 1 with the internal substance of its three-dimensional nature. In preferred embodiments, a flexible bag 3, folded or otherwise manipulated into a compact arrangement, is the stuffing material that is disposed within the decorative case 2. This bag 3 can be provided as loose stuffing within the case 2, or, preferably, the bag 3 can be attached to the case 2. In certain embodiments, other stuffing material, either loose, or attached to or integral with the decorative case 2, can provide additional dimension to the plush item 1. Multiple bags of the same or various sizes can also be used as the stuffing material. For example, three bags can be used as the stuffing material, so that an appropriately-sized bag 3 can be used for small, medium, and large applications.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the decorative case 2 includes an opening 5 through which the flexible bag 3 can be removed. Preferably, the opening 5 includes a closure device 6 so that the opening 5 can be closed to secure the flexible bag 3 within the decorative case 2. For example, a drawstring (shown, with a beaded stay), a zipper, a snap, a button, a tab, a clasp, a channel-style interlocking closure, an adhesive material, a slide fastener, and/or hook-and-loop fabric material, or any other known implement can be used to secure the opening 5.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the stuffing material in the form of a bag 3 can be removed from the interior space of the decorative case 2. As the bag 3 is removed, the plush item 1 loses at least some of its three-dimensional quality. Once the bag 3 is fully removed, it can be arranged into its functional shape for use as a bag 3 to carry groceries or other items. In embodiments in which the bag 3 is attached to the decorative case 2, the bag 3 is preferably attached to the opening 5 of the case 2, as shown in FIG. 6. The decorative case 2 can be attached to any portion of the flexible bag 3. For example, the decorative case 2 can be attached at an outside surface of the bag 3, to provide a decorative accessory to the bag 3. Alternatively, the decorative case 2 can be attached to the inside surface of the bag 3, to provide protection. Preferably, the flexible bag 3 will be reversible in practical application, and therefore the user will have the option as to whether the decorative case 2 remains inside or outside the bag 3. Of course, the decorative case 2 can be attached at any other place on the bag 3, such as on a bottom surface or at an edge of the opening of the bag 3.

The bag 3 itself can be decorative, through the use, for example, of color, imagery, or patterns. Certain embodiments of the bag 3 can have differing decorative features on inside and outside surfaces, which can be reversible in presentation. The bag 3 can be rounded or have a squared-off sides and bottom, or can assume any shape practical for carrying items, either generally or for a particular application, and can be divided into sections internally if desired. The bag 3 can also include a handle 7 or handles for ease in carrying the bag 3.

An attachment device 8 can be permanently or releasably attached to the decorative case, as shown in the figures. For example, the attachment device 8 can be a clasp, a clip, a carabiner, a ribbon, a loop, or a hook, which can be used to attach the plush item 1 to, for example, a belt loop or backpack. Thus, the plush item 1 can be carried as an accessory to take advantage of its ornamental qualities, while the attachment device 8 enables a user to keep the plush item 1 handy for use as a bag 3 for carrying items.

As mentioned above, any number of decorative case designs are contemplated for use with the plush item 1 of the invention, and the concept of the invention is not limited to any one design or category of design. FIG. 7 shows some alternative decorative cases 9, 10 featuring stylized creature designs, although other designs of any type may be used.

The present invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not strictly limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest possible interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

1. A decorative plush item, comprising: a decorative case; and a stuffing material disposed within the decorative case; wherein the stuffing material includes a flexible bag attached to the decorative case.
 2. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the stuffing material includes only the flexible bag.
 3. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the decorative case has an opening, and at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case is attached to the flexible bag.
 4. The decorative plush item of claim 3, wherein the flexible bag has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening, and the at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case is attached to the interior surface of the flexible bag.
 5. The decorative plush item of claim 3, wherein the flexible bag has reversible interior and exterior surfaces, and the at least a portion of the opening of the decorative case is attached to one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the flexible bag.
 6. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the decorative case includes a single opening, through which the flexible bag can be inserted.
 7. The decorative plush item of claim 6, wherein the opening includes a closure device that is adapted to open the opening to allow the flexible bag to be inserted within the decorative case and removed from the decorative case, and to close the opening to secure the flexible bag within the decorative case.
 8. The decorative plush item of claim 7, wherein the closure device includes a device that is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, a snap, a button, a tab, a clasp, a channel-style interlocking closure, an adhesive material, a slide fastener, and hook-and-loop fabric material.
 9. The decorative plush item of claim 6, wherein the decorative case has an interior volume that is expanded to accommodate the flexible bag when the flexible bag is inserted within the decorative case, thereby providing a three-dimensional quality to the decorative plush item.
 10. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the decorative case has an outer surface that includes indicia resembling a creature.
 11. The bag system of claim 10, wherein the creature is selected from the group of creatures consisting of animals, imaginary animals, monsters, aliens, and insects.
 12. The bag system of claim 11, wherein the creature is one of a cat, a dog, and a teddy bear.
 13. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the decorative case includes an attachment device.
 14. The decorative plush item of claim 1, wherein the attachment device is selected from the group consisting of a clasp, a clip, a carabiner, a ribbon, a loop, and a hook.
 15. A bag system, comprising: a flexible bag; and a storage container attached to the flexible bag; wherein the flexible bag is compactable for insertion completely within the storage container; and wherein the storage container includes a decorative outer surface and becomes a decorative plush item when the flexible bag is inserted completely within the storage container.
 16. The bag system of claim 15, wherein the storage container has an opening, and at least a portion of the opening of the storage container is attached to the flexible bag.
 17. The bag system of claim 16, wherein the flexible bag has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an opening, and the at least a portion of the opening of the storage container is attached to the interior surface of the flexible bag.
 18. The bag system of claim 16, wherein the flexible bag has reversible interior and exterior surfaces, and the at least a portion of the opening of the storage container is attached to one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the flexible bag.
 19. The bag system of claim 15, wherein the flexible bag is foldable.
 20. The bag system of claim 15, wherein the storage container includes a single opening, through which the flexible bag can be inserted.
 21. The bag system of claim 20, wherein the opening includes a closure device that is adapted to open the opening to allow the flexible bag to be inserted within the storage container and removed from the storage container, and to close the opening to secure the flexible bag within the storage container.
 22. The bag system of claim 21, wherein the closure device includes a device that is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, a drawstring, a snap, a button, a tab, a clasp, a channel-style interlocking closure, an adhesive material, a slide fastener, and hook-and-loop fabric material.
 23. The bag system of claim 20, wherein the storage container has an interior volume that is expanded to accommodate the flexible bag when the flexible bag is inserted within the storage container, thereby providing a three-dimensional quality to the decorative plush item.
 24. The bag system of claim 15, wherein the decorative outer surface of the storage container includes indicia resembling a creature.
 25. The bag system of claim 24, wherein the creature is selected from the group of creatures consisting of animals, imaginary animals, monsters, aliens, and insects.
 26. The bag system of claim 25, wherein the creature is one of a cat, a dog, and a teddy bear. 